Since the declaration of a state of emergency in Madagascar, about ten radio stations have been ransacked or set on fire, and several journalists threatened or assaulted, RSF reports. The recent announcement by a private radio station that it will suspend its news programmes demonstrates that threats and pressures still persist.

Analysts warned on Friday of a "slow and steady" descent into lawlessness if the political deadlock in Madagascar was not broken soon.

Concern is mounting in Madagascar that the strangulation of the opposition-held capital Antananarivo by a blockade laid by the army and government supporters, could spark a humanitarian crisis in the city.

Madagascan troops guarding government ministries did nothing to prevent the installation on Monday of an alternate cabinet appointed by self-declared president Marc Ravolomanana.

Four radio stations were attacked and destroyed on February 23 as violence erupted over disputed presidential election results.